Xavier University: Celebrating its trail blazers

By Christine Bordelon
Clarion Herald

Local black history was honored Feb. 23, during Black History Month, through a series of testimonials, musical performances and a tribute to President Emeritus Dr. Norman Francis via a virtual presentation by Xavier University of Louisiana.

In a 45-minute video, “Honoring a Legacy: Past, Present and Future,” contributions made by the historically Black university – founded by Blessed Sacrament Sister St. Katharine Drexel – in the lives of Black individuals and in the nation’s history were highlighted.

Current and past university students and Xavier’s mission to create a more just and humane society were showcased by Xavier’s Symphonic Band and Concert Choir. Campus chaplain, Josephite Father Etido Jerome, opened and closed the session with a prayer, and Blessed Sacrament Sister Juliana Haynes mentioned in a video how the nuns cooked for the students living in dorms when Katrina hit in 2005 before being evacuated to safety.

That disaster didn’t deter Xavier from educating students, and neither did the current COVID pandemic.

“We celebrated Black History Month much differently a year ago,” Dr. Reynold Verret, Xavier president, said in his opening address. “In fact, this was the last large gathering on campus before our entry into the new normal. The COVID-19 pandemic required of us alternative ways to honor the traditions that are most important to the heritage and student experience at Xavier. Black History Month convocation is one of our valued traditions.”

Students lauded legacy

Dr. Sharlene Sinegal-DeCuir, a Xavier University associate professor of history, gave a brief history of the university. She expressed gratitude for and how she was inspired by St. Katharine Drexel for her bravery to open Xavier in 1915 – buying a building of the former Southern University that had moved to Baton Rouge – to educate black students, knowing that it would not be a popular decision at the time.

The Black History Month convocation committee collaborated with current students this year in producing the 2021 Black History Month convocation to demonstrate Xavier’s place “in our still-evolving American history.”

“Black History Month allows us to reflect on the sacrifices those before us have made for us to get here, but it is also a call to action,” said SGA president Emmanuel Ukot, Class of ’22, business management major. “The work does not stop here. As Xavierites, we are called to live out the mission of this university as we contribute to the promotion of a more just and humane society in roles of leadership and service in our society. By reflecting on our past and striving to an impactful and equitable change in our present, our future will be brighter than ever. For we are the future.”

Fellow students mentioned positive Black role models in their lives: Rosa Parks, their parents and others.

“No matter who you are or the color of your skin don’t let people discourage you from what you want to do in the future,” student Ja’Mya Rucker said her mom always told her. “Whatever you want to do, just make sure you are giving your all and doing it for yourself.”

Several students said Xavier encourages an atmosphere of excellence by educating like-minded, high-achieving students whose mission is to make a difference in the community by helping others.

“Our primary job is to serve the underserved … to make sure the person without a voice is being heard,” another student said. “It’s powerful to see the big things that can be done when the whole campus ministry lives that mission.”

Honoring a treasure

Xavier honored Francis, its retired president, in words and photos as a leader who impacted many lives and was one to follow. Francis mentioned that his time as president gave him “a front-row seat to some of the greatest years in this country’s history.” He implored students to live the values he learned as a child – to be committed to their job and to treat people the way they wanted to be treated – “that way you will be respected. It is so fundamental.”

He was confident that the best is yet to come at Xavier.

“We are deeply thankful for Dr. Francis for steering Xavier for nearly half a century through turmoil and triumph,” said Verret, who thanked Francis for expanding the foundation on which Xavier continues to build.

Directing his words to current students, Verret implored them to change the world and inspire others.

“Xavier’s legacy is powerful. Xavierites have made a difference in the world for a century through creating a more just and humane society. … You are our legacy and you make us proud every day.”

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